Are you ready to Wine Your Way?

It’s that time of year again, The Annual Caribana Grand Parade is fast approaching. You’ve got questions and we’ve got your answers right here. Choose a Mas Band, pick a costume and get ready to wine your way in the Grand Parade!

After months of preparation, masqueraders in colourful, striking costumes and steel pan bands wine their way along Lakeshore Boulevard. The Annual Caribana Grand Parade that takes place is comprised of several Mas Bands; to play mas (or be in the parade) check out the different Mas Bands listed here. You can find each band’s contact information and reach out to them in regard to joining their band. The Mas Bands offer multiple costumes options which form different sections that reflect that individual band’s theme this year.

Costume selection diminishes fast as we get closer to the day of the parade. So once you decide which band you want to play mas in – head to the camp ( or visit them online ) and purchase your costume. Prices range from $165 for backline costumes to $1000 for the more elaborate ultra frontline costumes.

Once you’ve made your purchase with a mas band, they’ll email you when the costume is ready for pick-up; usually a few days before the parade giving you time to make any necessary adjustments.

It all kicks off Saturday August 5th, 2017 starting at 9:30am and ends at 8pm (just enough time to get ready for one of Saturday’s many Caribana Nightlife celebrations). The Parade route begins at Exhibition Place, travelling down Lakeshore Blvd West and ends at Lakeshore and Parkside Drive (approximately 4.5 kilometres).

Interested in not playing Mas and just attending? You can of course catch the Grand Parade free of charge by lining up along the Lakeshore Parade route. However, if you want a comfortable seat within Exhibition Place (200 Princes’ Blvd.) where you can catch the whole performance up close, VIP seating is available in designated, controlled areas. Purchase your tickets here.

We hope this clarified any questions you had about playing mas, let us know if we forgot any details.

I am interested in joining the parade this year in August 2017. Do I have to purchase a costume online or can I bring my own? Is there a fee to be in the parade? Can you please provide more information…